How Pressure Mapping Technology is Revolutionizing Pressure Injury Prevention in Hospitals with Kathy Gunn Wellsense

Empowered Patient Podcast

Kathy Gunn, VP of commercial and clinical operations at Wellsense, discusses the pressure mapping system Wellsense developed to prevent pressure injuries caused by support surfaces, offloading devices, and medical equipment. The pressure mapping technology works by installing an overlay into existing support surfaces, which sends real-time pressure readings and locations to an iPad-like device at the end of the bed. This visual feedback helps healthcare providers make better clinical decisions and customize care for each patient. Without this system, driven by standard procedures, the prevention of pressure injuries is inconsistent, and there is no way to assess the effectiveness of their actions or identify failing equipment.

Kathy explains, "A whole slew of factors impact a patient’s exposure to pressure. Not only do we bring in our pressure mapping system to provide visual feedback and historical reports for root cause analysis, but we also bring in clinical specialists. We bring in these clinical specialists who are all former nurses, and we integrate them into each of our partner facilities so that they can provide ongoing education, support, and resources. We found that the collaboration and partnership we have leads to the greatest success, and we see reductions in pressure injuries anywhere from 50% to 100% with this method."

"The pressure mapping system provides visual feedback that will give healthcare providers the information they need to make better clinical decisions. Whether it’s choosing an offloading device, a pillow, a wedge, or a fluidized positioner, the nursing staff at the bedside is going to know whether they’ve chosen the right type, the right quantity, and whether they’re placing it appropriately. They will know better how to adjust the head of the bed or the foot of the bed articulation. Furthermore, they’re going to be able to assess the functionality of their support surfaces - whether it’s nearing or it’s at the end of its life, whether it’s malfunctioning, or even if it’s appropriate for the size of the patient. These are all factors that are going to impact the patient’s exposure to pressure, and pressure is what is going to eventually lead to skin breakdown."

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